Washington, D.C., August 22, 2025
National Guard soldiers patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., will now carry guns as part of former President Donald Trump’s security crackdown, senior officials confirmed on Friday.
The order marks a significant shift in the Guard’s mission in the capital. Until now, most troops had been deployed unarmed, focusing on traffic control, protest management, and supporting local police. The White House, however, has pushed for tougher measures, citing what it calls “a rise in public safety threats.”
A Pentagon spokesperson defended the decision, saying the change is intended to “protect the troops as well as the public.” But critics argue the move risks escalating already-tense confrontations.
Mayor Muriel Bowser sharply criticized the federal government’s approach, warning that “heavily armed soldiers on city streets will only inflame the situation, not calm it.” Civil rights groups voiced similar concerns, saying the show of force blurs the line between law enforcement and military power.
Protests in Washington have swelled in recent weeks, with demonstrators rallying against Trump’s calls for a sweeping law-and-order campaign. Supporters of the former president, however, argue that deploying the Guard with weapons will deter violence and restore control in the capital.
Security analysts say the image of armed Guard units patrolling D.C. is likely to rekindle memories of past clashes between protesters and federal forces, particularly during the unrest of 2020. Questions remain about whether troops will carry live ammunition or non-lethal rounds, though officials insist strict rules of engagement will apply.
With tensions rising ahead of the weekend, Washington is bracing for what could be another volatile round of demonstrations.
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